Recidivism among prisoners: Who comes back?

Abstract

This study examined recidivism in an Australian correctional population. Three different groups of offenders were identified from their recidivism profiles: low-risk or slow recidivists, moderate-risk or delayed recidivists, and high-risk or rapid recidivists. Slow recidivists were more likely to be younger Indigenous men, with a history of both drug use and parole suspension or cancellation. Delayed recidivists were more likely to be younger non-Indigenous women serving shorter sentences. Rapid recidivists were differentiated only by being more likely to serve shorter sentences.

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URLS correct at September 2024

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Data were drawn from the Queensland Corrective Services Integrated Offender Management System.

The findings will be useful to policymakers and practitioners working in corrections and related fields.